IISD- Technical Workshop “Before the Blue COP”

On Thursday morning, participants to the Before the Blue COP workshop met to discuss challenges and opportunities in integrating the ocean in NDCs. Manuel Barange, UN FAO, introduced a technical report by the FAO on the impacts of climate change on fisheries and aquaculture as a sector-specific toolbox for countries to work on adaptation planning, including for National Adaptation Plans and NDCs.

Beñat Sanz Antoñanzas, APPA Marina, presented on the role of marine renewable energy, and noted advantages, including: predictability and good integration with other renewable sources. Itziar Martín, Spain, emphasized that climate change effects that are relevant for the management of MPAs are already perceptible. Gemma Harper, UK, highlighted that her country is collaborating with the IUCN to explore ways to ensure that MPAs are “climate-smart,” including with regard to strengthened coastal defenses for climate adaptation.

In the afternoon, participants addressed national perspectives on pathways for advancing the consideration of ocean and climate interlinkages. In the closing session, Rémi Parmentier, Because the Ocean Initiative, presented a preliminary list of take-aways from the workshop, including:

NDCs offer opportunities to address ocean and climate interlinkages, but other vehicles such as National Adaptation Plans should also be considered;

There is 'great appetite' for political initiatives to increase the momentum on the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus; and

Cooperation between the marine and climate communities should be fostered at international, regional, and national levels.

In final remarks, Valvanera Ulargui, Spain, stressed the importance of supporting the Chilean COP 25 Presidency in making the “Blue COP” a success. It was noted that conversations will continue in the workshop series. The meeting closed at 4:56 pm.

CBFP News

"For over three decades, the Montreal Protocol has done much more than shrink the ozone hole; it has shown us how environmental governance can respond to science, and how countries can come together to address a shared vulnerability. I call for that same spirit of common cause and, especially, greater leadership as we strive to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change and mobilize the ambitious climate action we so urgently need at this time." UN Secretary-General António Guterres

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Dozens of heavily armed poachers on horseback attacked wildlife rangers of the Forest and Fauna Guard (GFF) stationed in the Binder-Lere Wildlife reserve. Seven (07) elephant carcasses were found throughout the reserve by GFF wildlife rangers tracking the poachers. The poachers came from Cameroon.

Brazzaville-Republic of Congo, 28 July- 1st August 2019. Two multi-institutional capacity building workshops on investigations into wildlife crimes were held for law enforcement officers at the Mikhael’s Hotel.

Signing of MoU (Collaboration Agreement) OCFSA- Luska Agreement on the sidelines of two multi-institutional capacity building workshops for law enforcement officials on wildlife crime investigation held from 28 July to 01 August 2019 in Brazzaville (Congo).

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